Sturridge and Firmino breaking their goal droughts and Agüero returns for City
Liverpool’s win against Stoke on Tuesday night puts them just a point above Manchester City, as Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino ended their goal droughts. More importantly, Liverpool beat a team that has always derailed their hopes in the past, especially after going down to a Jonathan Walters header, which again casts doubts about Liverpool’s defending from direct play, and set pieces, with Guardiola watching from the stands will have something to think going into the game.
The timing of two of Liverpool’s most talented forwards breaking their goal drought could not have come at a better time, making the clash on Saturday an even more exciting prospect with Klopp now having to make a decision about whom he should start up front.
Manchester City’s talisman returns after serving a suspension and Sergio Agüero is one such player who can change the course of the game at any given time and Guardiola will have the luxury of starting the Argentine as he comes off as probably the freshest player of the lot which is always bad news if you are an opposition player, as he will want to come out all guns blazing against The Reds.
How will Liverpool and Manchester City Lineup
Klopp has practically played the same team since the second half of the West Ham United game. It is possible there are chances of fatigue. This could be a worry alongside the news of Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip being unfit to face the Citizens; but with the return of Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge, Klopp could possibly add a new dimension to the team in the second half. Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge have both been effective substitutes with the latter playing a part in Liverpool’s goals in the last two games.
Liverpool have to identify the threat of Manchester City’s front 4 in De Bruyne, Leroy Sane, David Silva and especially Sergio Aguero, who will be relishing the challenge to play Liverpool after serving his four-game suspension. Adam Lallana has been involved in the most amount of goals by a midfielder in the Premier League this season 7 goals and 6 assists and he could add to his tally going into the weekend given his recent form.
We do not see Klopp changing the team much in such a crunch game especially considering how well this team has performed. Klopp would have hoped that Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho were available at this current time and he would need them if Liverpool have to push for glory this season, but considering they won’t play Klopp still has to find enough quality from this Liverpool side.
